Robot helps subdue 91-year-old suspect

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. {AP} Police used a water-cannon robot to subdue a shotgun-wielding 91-year-old early Sunday and end a 31-hour standoff that began with a shooting death at the man's home.

Police who entered the home around 1:30 a.m. said one shot from the water cannon disabled the man, and police took him into custody. He was taken to a suburban Washington hospital for treatment of an injured knee.

The incident began at about 6 p.m. Friday when a relative went to check on the man, who police said suffers a dementia. The relative found James Newman, 59, the 91-year-old's nephew, behind the house with a gunshot wound.

Emergency personnel arrived at the scene, found Newman dead, and called police because the elderly man, armed with a shotgun, acted incoherent and threatening.

He barricaded himself inside his rural home. Prince George's County Police Chief John Farrell said the man shot at officers and vehicles, and attempts to establish contact failed. Farrell said police even used tear gas, but the man was unfazed.

Almost 100 officers, two helicopters and two armored vehicles responded to the standoff.

Police spokeswoman Diane Richardson withheld the man's name. She said the office of the Maryland state's attorney will decide whether charges will be filed.

She said Newman had gone to the man's house to mow his lawn. Relatives said the man takes medication for his dementia but may have stopped taking it for some reason.